| As fossil fuels begin to run out, there will be a | | | | few wrenches. |
| growing need to make better use of renewable | | | | 4. Build the panel - About 36 cells are soldered |
| energy sources. Unlike fossil fuels the problem | | | | together to form a panel. The assembled cells are |
| with renewable energy is not one of abundance. | | | | placed on a pre-cut sheet of plywood that has |
| There is enough sunshine, wind and waves to | | | | been coated with the UV protector. A sheet of |
| power the world but building the systems to | | | | glass is then placed over the entire assembly and |
| harness these sources is where the challenges lie. | | | | sealed with the silicone caulk. |
| Fortunately, more and more people are learning | | | | 5. Install the panel - A South facing location is |
| how to build their own solar power panels to | | | | required to install the panel. A roof top is most |
| provide energy to their homes without great cost. | | | | convenient but if that is not possible then an open |
| In this article we will look at how you can build | | | | area in the yard will do. |
| and install solar panels for your home in 7 easy | | | | 6. Connect the panel to a battery - The panel will |
| steps and without spending a small fortune. | | | | produce an unregulated DC current when exposed |
| 1. Buy a guide - Better still, look for a free one. | | | | to the sun. A device known as a charge controller |
| There are several great guides available on the | | | | is required to regulate panel output to charge a |
| internet. It's important to choose one with good | | | | battery which will store the energy for later use. |
| illustrations and easy to follow step-by-step | | | | 7. Connect to the household electrical system - |
| instructions. | | | | To convert the DC power from the battery to |
| 2. Buy the parts - The cheapest way to build | | | | household AC an inverter is required. The inverter |
| your own solar panels is to first locate surplus, or | | | | is connected to the house breaker panel via an |
| slightly defective but otherwise fully functional, | | | | appropriate switching device. |
| solar cells. The cells are readily available and can | | | | Building solar panels for your home can be done |
| be purchased for a fraction of retail cost. Other | | | | very cheaply when you know how. It's possible to |
| parts required include plywood, glass, copper wire, | | | | have a complete solar power system for just a |
| solder, wood screws, silicone and good quality | | | | couple hundred dollars if you know where to buy |
| paint for weather proofing. | | | | the parts. Thousands of homeowners are doing |
| 3. Gather the tools - No special tools are required. | | | | this and saving big dollars on their utility bills. You |
| You will need a soldering iron, electricians wire | | | | can too. |
| cutters, screwdrivers, wood saw, caulk gun and a | | | | |